No-Name MS to Prestigious P.h.D?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of gaining admission to a prestigious Ph.D. program after completing a Master's degree at a less recognized institution. Participants explore factors influencing Ph.D. admissions, including research experience, recommendations, and standardized test scores, particularly the GRE.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether attending a lesser-known institution could hinder their chances of entering a top-tier Ph.D. program, despite having strong research connections.
  • Another participant suggests that networking and making research visible to admissions committees are crucial for success, emphasizing the importance of recommendations from well-known professors.
  • A participant raises a concern about the timing of the GRE, questioning whether an average score would negatively impact future Ph.D. applications.
  • One participant reassures that the general GRE is a minor factor in physics admissions, indicating that a non-excellent score may not be detrimental as long as it is not significantly low.
  • There is a discussion about the recent ETS policy change regarding GRE score reporting, which allows applicants to report only their best scores, potentially alleviating some pressure on test-takers.
  • Another participant shares their recent experience with the application process, noting the challenges and resources available for preparation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that research experience and networking are critical for Ph.D. admissions, but there is uncertainty regarding the impact of GRE scores and the specifics of admissions criteria across different fields.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the variability in how different programs weigh GRE scores and recommendations, indicating that there may be differing standards across disciplines.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate studies in physics or related fields, especially those from less recognized institutions, may find this discussion relevant.

blaughli
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I am all but committed to an physics MS program at a CSU that does not offer P.h.D.s. I am wondering if it is possible/plausible that, if I do well in this program, I can gain entrance into a top-notch P.h.D program. I have a good connection for research and should be able to write my thesis based on this research, which will be based at a DOE national lab.

I may decide to go for a P.h.D in a field other than physics, such as oceanography or some other computationally intensive branch of natural science. If I were to pursue oceanography, I would shoot for Scripps.

Thanks for your time.
 
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Getting into a top-notch PHD program is (mostly) dependent on research/recommendations. The main disadvantage with going to a no-name school is that the professors who advise you might not be well-known by the top-tier departments you'll be applying to. My advice would be to network really well: try to make your research visible to the departments and maybe try to contact professors so that they recognize your name when it comes through the admissions committees.

Obviously, you should also try to get perfect grades, perfect GREs, etc. But you know that.
 
That's pretty clear advice, thanks vitamin.

A problem for me might be that the program I'm going to has basically offered me an open door this Fall without having taken the GRE yet (and I am very late in applying), but I have to take the GRE within the next two weeks. I was told that an "average" score would be fine. Well, I can score an "average" in two weeks, but "perfect" might require more time, and I don't have time. Will a non-excellent score now hurt me when I apply for a PhD in ~three years? I can take it again, but all scores are reported...
 
Luckily for you, the ETS has just changed their policy! You won't have to worry about reporting all scores:
http://www.ets.org/newsroom/news_releases/gre_scoreselect_option

Actually, it sounds like you're talking about the general GRE since the physics isn't being offered again until October. I don't know how the other fields base their admissions, but for physics the general GRE is a very small factor, they mostly just don't want you to bomb it. Two weeks for studying will suffice (I don't think I started studying until 4-5 days prior).
 
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Wow, that's awesome! Thanks vitamin! I'm so new to this - so I send them the scores rather than them inquiring themselves? If I only have to report my best, then this is great news. It does seem that this is what the article implied.

Great advice, what's your background?
 
I just graduated with a BS and will start a PHD program this fall, so I just went through the applications process last Fall/Winter. It's pretty grueling, especially if you apply to a lot of schools (I applied to 12! which was actually about the amount most of my friends applied to). There are some really good resources for preparation, especially physicsgre.com. My undergrad advisors also had a lot of useful advice. Good luck!
 
king vitamin said:
Luckily for you, the ETS has just changed their policy! You won't have to worry about reporting all scores:
http://www.ets.org/newsroom/news_releases/gre_scoreselect_option

Actually, it sounds like you're talking about the general GRE since the physics isn't being offered again until October. I don't know how the other fields base their admissions, but for physics the general GRE is a very small factor, they mostly just don't want you to bomb it. Two weeks for studying will suffice (I don't think I started studying until 4-5 days prior).

That's great! Does this includes the Physics GRE (PGRE) in addition to the normal GRE?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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